SECTION 1 - THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Information Technology (IT)
Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and
manipulate data or information, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.  IT is
considered to be a subset of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
An information technology system (IT system) is generally an information system,
a communications system or, more specifically speaking, a computer system – including all hardware,
software and peripheral equipment – operated by a limited group of users.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is an extensional term for information
technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration
of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computers, as well as
necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audiovisual systems, that enable users to
access, store, transmit, and manipulate information.
The term ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audiovisual and telephone
networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic
incentives (huge cost savings due to the elimination of the telephone network) to merge the telephone
network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal
distribution, and management.
ICT is a broad subject and the concepts are evolving. It covers any product that will store, retrieve,
manipulate, transmit, or receive information electronically in a digital form (e.g., personal computers,
digital television, email, or robots).
ICT Components Hierarchy is the systematic organization of components in a logical order. The
elements of ICT Components Hierarchy involves people, procedures, software, hardware and
telecommunications, as shown below.
ICT COMPONENTS HIERARCHY

1
Progress Quizzes: - (25 marks)

1. Define the term ‘Information Technology’. (2 marks)

2. Explain the term ‘Information Technology System’. (4 marks)
3. Explain the term ‘Information and Communications Technology’. (4 marks)
4. Name the elements that are involved in the ICT Components Hierarchy? (5 marks)
5. In terms of ‘ICT Components Hierarchy’, give TWO (2) examples of the following: (10 marks)
a. Hardware
b. Software
c. People
d. Telecommunications
e. Procedures